Since 1984, Larkin Street Youth Services has been committed to helping San Francisco’s most
vulnerable youth ages 12-24 move beyond street life. This commitment has fueled the development
of a comprehensive continuum of services that is nationally recognized as a model of innovative
and effective care. We offer stability, safety, and the opportunity for a better life.
Larkin Street’s continuum provides a range of housing options—from immediate emergency shelter
to permanent supportive housing—in addition to essential wraparound services that offer kids the
resources and skills they need to exit street life. Supportive services include education, technology
and employment training; healthcare, including mental health, substance abuse, and HIV services;
and case management.
Our success rate in helping kids get off the street for good testifies to a simple truth: Given safety, shelter, compassion, guidance,
and enough positive options, kids can find their own solutions. We believe all youth deserve the chance to reach their full potential
and contribute their best to the world.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Larkin Street’s service continuum includes 23 programs working from 12 locations across San Francisco. Each service is expressly designed to meet the unique needs of homeless and runaway youth.
Point of Entry: With strategically located sites and a team of trained staff and volunteers, Point of Entry Services attempt to reach the estimated 5,700 youth who are living on the streets of San Francisco. Street Outreach teams work on the frontlines to locate and assist youth on the street. The Drop-InCenter, located in the Tenderloin/Polk Gulch neighborhood, gives youth access to food, showers and trained counselors. In addition, the Drop-In Center operates a fully-accredited on-site school. The Haight Street Referral Center provides youth with information about Larkin Street and its services in a safe, welcoming environment.
Housing Services: Larkin Street offers kids a full range of supportive housing options, from immediate, emergency shelters to permanent supportive housing. The Diamond Youth Shelter provides immediate housing for youth aged 12-17 and the Lark-Inn for Youth provides emergency shelter for youth aged 18-23. The LOFT (Larkin Opportunities for Transition) is a transitional living facility for homeless youth aged 15-18; Avenues To Independence and our newest program, G-House, provide transitional living for youth aged 18-23. The Ellis Street Apartments provide affordable, permanent supportive housing for youth aged 18-24. Through the LEASE program, youth emancipating from foster care can access supportive housing until they become fully independent. The Castro Youth Housing Initiative provides housing for youth who regard the Castro District as their home. Routz, provides housing and intensive wraparound support for youth with mental health issues.
Supportive Services: From the moment youth enter Larkin Street’s spectrum of support, kids can avail themselves of a full range of support services at any time of the day. Case Management Services assess youth when they arrive and help them to develop a plan to guide them as they move through Larkin Street’s continuum and beyond the streets. The Larkin Street Medical Clinic, adjacent to the Drop-In Center, offers free, on-site comprehensive medical care. Our Substance Abuse & Mental Health Initiatives provide individualized assessment and treatment for kids whose progress is impeded by one or more of these disorders. The Community Art Program offers youth a chance to express themselves creatively through a variety of ongoing individual and group projects.
HIV Specialty Services: With comprehensive medical care, housing and supportive services, HIV Specialty Services addresses the specific needs of HIV+ homeless and runaway youth through one centralized site in San Francisco. The HIV Specialty Clinic offers adolescent-centered outpatient care and treatment to any HIV+ youth in San Francisco. For those youth that lack stable housing, Larkin Street’s After Care program provides rental subsidies and other housing options in addition to case management and other support services offered through Larkin Street. For youth who require 24-hour care and medical support, Larkin Street operates the Assisted Care program; this 12-bed residential facility was the nations’ first licensed residential care program for youth living with HIV/AIDS.
Educational & Employment Services: HIRE UP is Larkin Street’s comprehensive, multi-disciplinary employment and education initiative. HIRE UP offers customized employment and education services that allow youth to complete their high school education, enroll in post-secondary education, access the latest in technology, and obtain career-track employment so that, ultimately, kids can achieve personal and financial independence.
Contact: 415-673-0911, 701 Sutter Street, Suite 2, San Francisco, CA 94109, www.larkinstreetyouth.org
|
